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Classroom Resources

Classroom Resources
The Global & Multicultural Resource Center (GMRC) is the heart of the World Affairs Council of Oregon’s K-12 Global Classroom Program.

This warm and welcoming room houses the Council’s extensive collection of Cultural Boxes representing over 100 countries from every continent, the five major belief systems of the world, and cultures unique to the American experience, namely African American, Asian/Pacific Island American and Latino/Chicano American.

Culture Boxes help students experience the art, culture and daily life of other cultures in a dynamic and interesting way. Boxes are filled with teaching resources and reference materials as well as hands-on treasures from around the world. Life-size props are also available and include a Japanese Tea House, Ndbele House from South Africa, and a Bedouin Tent from the Middle East.

The GMRC’s Culture Boxes have been enjoyed for the past 25 years by people of all ages. Many people from around the world have lovingly contributed to their creation. The Center tries to ensure that all of its materials are accurate, genuine and culturally sensitive. As we are constantly in the process of reviewing and upgrading our materials, contributions and feedback are most welcome.

Culture Box sets can be country specific or regional, as small as one box and as large as four. Each Culture Box contains an inventory of its contents in the lid. Each file, book and cultural item is labeled and numbered according to its “home” box. Books, files and realia regarding specific topics are gathered together in plastic bag packets for the borrower’s convenience.